Helicopter crashes in central Japan, two dead.

According to police and fire sources, on March 6, a large helicopter crashed into a mountainous forested area in Kihoku town, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, killing two people on board.

Illustrative image. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Kyodo News reported that the two fatalities were Captain Yoshifumi Aga, 53, and mechanic Yuki Fujimoto, 41.

The AS 332L helicopter, operated by SNK, crashed at approximately 10:50 a.m. (local time) while transporting materials from a hydroelectric power plant in Mie Prefecture to a regional airport for refueling.

The accident resulted in temporary power outages in Kihoku town and surrounding areas, and also caused forest fires.

According to police and SNK, the helicopter is believed to have struck a power cable before crashing; however, the cause of the incident is currently under investigation by authorities.

According to VNA